Latest Courses
Forsythes Training has developed and delivered a program for 12 Boggabri Coal trainers and assessors to upgrade their skills to the new TAE 40416 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Education qualification.
The business need
Boggabri Coal has a number of trainers and assessors in its workforce.
Training Coordinator Sharron Emmerton said most of those staff had been working in the field for some time. While some needed to upgrade their TAE skills for their current roles, the mining company wanted to offer the upgrade to a broader group as a reward for performance and to provide them with useful and beneficial challenge.
Forsythes Training Director, Chad White, said Boggabri Coal Mine should be congratulated for its forward thinking in using training as part of its reward and retention strategy, not just its skills and competency maintenance.
TAE training is a big benefit to staff
Sharon said upgrading to the full TAE qualification was a big commitment for staff but also a huge benefit for them too.
She said it is a nationally registered qualification they will have for life. They will be able to take it with them too, not just in mining but even to another industry.
“Training and assessment skills are well worth having and are vital cross all industries,” Sharon said.
“We believe in upskilling our people and making sure they have the correct and relevant training and skills for their roles.”
The TAE Training Program
The training was delivered before COVID-19. The customised program was done in three-day session blocks every month over 5 months to fit in with Boggabri’s rostering and operational needs.
Knowledgeable and supportive TAE trainer
Sharon said the team was very impressed by Forsythes Training facilitator Trish Davies.
She said Trish was very enthusiastic and approachable but most importantly she was knowledgeable.
“Trish really knew her stuff, but she also made it relevant.”
“You don’t want trainers talking about retail if you work in mining.”
Sharon said Trish made the content easy to understand but was always available to help participants.
“Staff members said Trish would always pick up the phone to help them with questions – even out of hours.”
Onsite, Group Training
Sharon said having Forsythes come to Boggabri to deliver the training was a “huge” factor in selecting them.
“We’re not that remote but other training companies seem to think we are.”
Training sessions were held at the local golf club which Sharon said took staff away from work distractions, but also allowed the mine to support a local business, which is important to them.
“Training our staff together meant they could bounce of each other in the training sessions but also when they were back at work.”
Smart and Skilled funding support
As it is a NSW Government Smart and Skilled provider, Forsythes Training helped Boggabri Coal to access funding subsidies for the training.
Sharon said they made it very easy for Boggabri to access the funding.
“We sent a letter and registered our participants but Forsythes took care of everything else. We didn’t really have to do anything.”
The benefits of using Forsythes Training
Sharon said apart from expert trainers and their training knowledge, Forsythes Training are willing to adapt and to be flexible.
“They understand the mining industry and took the time to understand our business.”
Boggabri Coal will use Forsythes Training for leadership and management training.
“Having an RTO we can call upon who already know our values and our business makes a difference. We talk the same language and they know where we are coming from. Using Forsythes for a range of training means our staff re being taught the same thing in a similar way. “
In addition to out of session support from the trainer, Forsythes arranged for, dedicated, participant support days. Participants also had convenient access to resources on Forsythes student portal (moddle).
“Forsythes Training has a really good reputation because of their integrity, knowledge and flexibility – nothing is off the table.”
About Boggabri Coal
Boggabri Coal Mine is an open-cut coal operation which has been contributing to the community and regional economy since 2006.
The mine supports a workforce of about 600 employees and contractors. Most workers and their families live locally and are part of the community. Coal is transported to the Port of Newcastle for international export.
The mine produces up to 7 million tonnes per annum of saleable coal with a mine life to 2033.
